The End Is Near — Really

Now that Tony Blair has confirmed that he'll leave Downing Street within a year (or less), who will become leader of America's best foreign friend? Put your money on Gordon Brown, Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, or finance chief, as the next Prime Minister. London bookmakers William Hill give him overwhelming odds — 1/5. Brown is brainy, experienced, and has been heir apparent since opting not to fight Blair for the Labour Party leadership in 1994.

But a contest among Labour heavyweights is still possible. Scars remain from the long, venomous feud between...